The Dalles

This city sits on the south bank of the Columbia River in northern Oregon, surrounded by dry hills and rock walls that mark the transition to inland desert. It stretches along a broad river bend where rail lines and warehouses line the water's edge.

During the 19th century, this site grew into a key stop for settlers moving west on the Oregon Trail. The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s transformed the river port into a central shipping hub for grain and timber from the interior.

Its name comes from the French word for stone channels in the riverbed that once forced boats to carry cargo overland. Along the waterfront, orchards and vineyards draw visitors during harvest season and show the connection between farming and daily life.

Walking along the riverfront offers free access and shows the industrial character of the waterfront zone. Most shops and cafes sit in the downtown area a few blocks from the water and can be reached easily on foot.

The Google Outdoor Street View collection includes an early digital capture of the waterfront that was part of a test project to map remote locations. On clear days, visitors can look upriver toward Mount Hood, whose snow-capped summit sits more than 80 miles (130 kilometers) away.

Location: Wasco County

Inception: 1857

Elevation above the sea: 33 m

Website: https://thedalles.org

GPS coordinates: 45.60111,-121.18278

Latest update: December 12, 2025 22:39